How to defrost the freezer?

A well-functioning freezer is useful in every household. And like any other appliance, your freezer needs maintenance. Regular defrosting is an important part of that.

In this blog, we explain things like why and how to deice a freezer, how long it takes, and how to minimise ice build-up.

Jump to:

• Why defrost the freezer?

• How often should you defrost the freezer?

• How long does it take to deice a freezer?

• What’s the best way to defrost a freezer?

• How to slow down ice build-up?

Why defrost the freezer?

Regular defrosting saves energy, improves hygiene and ensures your freezer works at its best.

Defrost your freezer regularly to:

• Save energy: ice build-up makes the freezer work harder.

• Use space efficiently: ice takes up room you could better use for frozen food, leftovers or bread.

• Keep it clean and fresh: ice absorbs smells, making your freezer stink. It also makes cleaning harder. Poor hygiene around food? Best avoided.

• Keep it running smoothly: a strained compressor wears out faster, which reduces performance.

What causes ice build-up?

Ice forms when warm, moist air gets into the freezer, usually when the door is opened. This air freezes and forms an ice layer inside the freezer.

How often should you defrost the freezer?

That depends on the type of freezer and how often warm air gets in.

Freezers without No Frost should be defrosted about twice a year. If you see ice thicker than 0.5 cm, it’s time to defrost.

No Frost freezers prevent ice build-up, so you usually don’t need to defrost them. Still, it’s wise to check for ice every now and then.

How long does it take to deice a freezer?

On average, between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours, depending on the ice thickness and room temperature. Warm water or leaving the door open speeds it up. Using a hairdryer? It’s faster, but comes with risks.

What’s the best way to defrost a freezer?

Step 1: Preparation

Get the following items ready:

• Clean towels or cloths.

• A shallow tray or bowl to collect water.

• A plastic or wooden spatula.

• Cloth with cleaning solution.

• A bucket or container for chunks of ice.

• Optional: a bowl or pan of warm water.

Step 2: Empty the freezer

Turn off the freezer and unplug it. Remove the contents and store them temporarily in a fridge, cooler or cold place.

Step 3: Place towels

Put towels or cloths around the freezer to catch the meltwater.

Step 4: Melt the ice layer

Open the door and let the ice melt. This can take time depending on room temperature and ice thickness.

How to melt ice quickly in freezer? Place a bowl of warm water inside or use a fan blowing warm air into the freezer.

Once some ice has melted, gently scrape it off. Never use sharp tools — they can damage the walls or cooling elements. A plastic or wooden spatula is safe. Dispose of the ice in a bucket or sink.

Defrosting your freezer with a hairdryer: yes or no?

We don’t recommend it. It may sound quick and easy, but water and electricity don’t mix. Plus, the heat from the hairdryer can damage the plastic parts of your freezer.

If you do use a hairdryer, keep your distance and never leave it unattended.

Our advice: warm water is a safer way to speed up the process.

Step 5: Clean and refill

Clean the inside with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly. Switch the freezer back on and wait for it to reach the right temperature before putting food back in.

You can clean it with soda, all-purpose cleaner, or dish soap. Or use a Bosch cleaning product specially developed for freezers — free from microplastics.

If your freezer has a drain, place a bowl under it to collect the meltwater. Open the drain, and close it again once all the water has drained.

How to slow down ice build-up?

A few simple habits can help:

• Let hot food cool before freezing.

• Check door seals regularly for damage or dirt.

• Always close the door quickly and properly.

• Place a bowl of baking soda in the freezer to absorb moisture.

Tips to reduce freezer maintenance

Consider a No Frost freezer
No Frost freezers remove moisture from the cooling compartments. That means no ice build-up and no need to defrost.

Watch the placement
Keep your freezer in a cool, dry place, away from ovens or direct sunlight. Heat makes the freezer work harder, using more energy.

Set the right temperature
A correctly set temperature helps your freezer run efficiently. We recommend -18°C.

Don’t overfill the freezer
A full freezer holds its temperature better — but don’t overpack it. Make sure air can circulate between containers to keep everything cold.